Header Metal?

[Fiveiron_42]

Hey I was thinking about getting new headers so what metal and coating is best? (ceramic, chrome, stainless steel, etc.)

[Leung]

i have a stainless steel Megan Racing header, i think DC coats their headers with ceramics.

just depends on what you're willing to pay and what kind of look you're going for.

[deevergote]

Stainless is best, but most expensive.

Bisimoto, the maker of the BEST F22A headers in the world, offers two options... expensive stainless, and less expensive mild steel.

[johnl]

For what reason do you want a coated header? If it's for looks then choose whatever you most like the look of. If it's for a power gain, then I wouldn't bother because any gain will be minute, maybe worthwhile for a serious racing car where every single hp adds up, but not for a road car (IMO).

[deevergote]

Very true.

The only possible other reason for a ceramic coating would be to keep underhood temps down... but a good header wrap is cheaper and more effective. It has been known to crack headers, but everyone I know that has used it has never had a problem... so it's a risk I would personally take based on my firsthand observations.

[dano28]

Ceramic coatings are very thin so not very effective for underhood temps. The reason for ceramic coatings is more for rust protection. A painted header will rust very quickly unless you remove the paint and re coat with a good quality hi-temp paint.

I like the concept of wraping headers but they usually look like crap.

This is a 8 year old Pacesetter header with hi temp stainless steel paint. I re-brush it about every couple of years (on the car)

[TypeG]

i personally would go with stainless steel due to it's resistance to corriosion. later.